Hungarian Air Force Chief Visits NFTC Centre in Canada
Szöveg: Lt.-Col. Zoltán Litauszki | 2018. április 27. 9:21Between 27-30 March, Brig.-Gen. Albert Sáfár, Air Force Chief and Deputy Commander, HDF Joint Force Command and Brig.-Gen. Csaba Ugrik, Commander, HDF 59th Dezső Szentgyörgyi Air Base paid a visit to the 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School (2 CFFTS), the centre of the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC) program.
The institution provides basic training for Hungarian pilots and also advanced tactical training for fighter pilots. The significance of the program is shown by the fact that all Hungarian Gripen pilots have successfully completed the program before their training for Sweden.
The NFTC does not only teach procedures essential for civil aviation, but also familiarizes airmen with the tactics of military aviation in a simulated complex operational environment. Since the start of the program in 2002, altogether 94 Hungarian pilots have participated in flying training at different levels, so today they provide the pilot capability of the Hungarian air force for tactical fighters, helicopters and transport aircraft.
Currently six Hungarian students are receiving instruction in the NFTC program, and another six Hungarian instructors are contributing to the training. Lt.-Col. Smith told us that the Hungarian students’ attitude and the instructors’ preparedness are excellent. Lt. Máté Hernádi – an airman from the HDF 86th Szolnok Helicopter Base – completed his flying training at the time of the visit. In the presence of relatives and 13 Canadian students, Brig.-Gen. Sáfár pinned on his uniform the wings that symbolize becoming a pilot. Becoming eligible for wearing the pilot wings is a significant milestone in every pilot’s life. The NFTC program on the Harvard trainers is a difficult training full of challenges, but the kind of training it provides ensures that the pilots can perform professionally in any branch of aviation during their later career.
